Saturday, June 28, 2008

Nandi Hills - Yet another Plan to Improve and Rejuvenate



Beautiful, cool and serene, Nandi Hills has a lot more in store than just perfect scenic landscape. The potential for tourism is here is immense but never tapped.

Every Govt. loves making a new announcement on their new plans for Nandi Hills

Here is a new one from the current BJP Govt.

Tourism park in Nandi Hills
"The State Government is planning to set up a tourism park in Nandi Hills, close to the Bengaluru International Airport, to attract more international tourists in the State, Tourism minister G Janardhana Reddy said on Thursday.Reddy told reporters that besides an amusement park and better lodging facilities in the park, international tourists can have detailed information about all tourist spots in the state. The minister said as many as 150 tourist guides are working in different tourist places. As the government has not been providing honorarium for them, the department has decided to pay honourarium of Rs 1,000 per month for guides. A decision in this regard will be announced in the budget to be presented next month, he said." more...

Nandi Hills Sight Seeing Highlights include one of the oldest temples in Karnataka the Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple located at the foothills. Other must see places are Tipu's Summer Palace, Amrit Sarovar and Bhoga Nandishwara Temple which is a fine example of Dravidian architecture. There are 1,175 steps to reach the top of the hill but the view of the whole city below is wonderful from up there.
Other useful resources for Nandi Hills


Video Guide to Mysore - Royal City of Palaces

Short on time (well who is not), here is a quick way to see and understand Mysore and see the Sights Mysore has to offer through a 2 minute video. Enjoy a quick Video Guide to Mysore.

Mysore is known as the City of Palaces. Having been the Capital of Karnataka before it shifted to Bangalore, a large many royal families ruled here. Out of the many palaces built, those from the Wodeyar Dynasty are said to be quite noteworthy.

This former state capital is a seamless blend of old-world charm and modernity. It retains its tradition in music and dance, art and literature, and time-honoured crafts. Mysore today, is a pleasant and growing city in Karnataka with an old world charm, owing to its broad avenues, picturesque gardens, exceptional edifices and a salubrious climate .

Few Mysore resources
Map of Mysore
Mysore Hotels
Reviews of Mysore Tourism
Photos of Mysore
Videos of Mysore
Question & Answers on Mysore

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Quick Video Guide to Bangalore



Short on time (well who is not), here is a quick way to see and understand Bangalore and see the Sights Bangalore has to offer through a 2 minute video. Enjoy a quick Video Guide to Bangalore.


Few Bangalore resources

Woodway Chikmagalur - Homestay of the Week

WoodWay


Chikmagalur is no longer a poor cousin of Coorg, the number of new Chikmagalur Home Stays and Chikmagalur Hotels or Resorts opening every month is a good indicator of this destination’s growing popularity. Coffee estates and verdant hills provide some of best sights in Karnataka,
WoodWay is one of the earlier and more popular Homestays. Here is what a traveler Sureshbabu has to say about this HomeStay.

“It was an awesome experience in Woodway...The hospitality was good..The food was excellent..And Santhosh was energetic in completing the Trekking ....We enjoyed a lot...I recommend people to visti this place whenever possible...”

More reviews of Woodway Homestay
Photos of Woodway

Other Chickmagalur resources

Map of Chickmagalur


Beehives on Nandi Hills - Travel Photo of the Day


Nandi Hills is a Hill Station very close to the international airport and about 60 km from Bangalore, in Devanahalli. Located about 2 km from the National Highway (NH-7).
Nandi Hills Sight Seeing Highlights include one of the oldest temples in Karnataka the Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple located at the foothills. Other must see places are Tipu's Summer Palace, Amrit Sarovar and Bhoga Nandishwara Temple which is a fine example of Dravidian architecture.

Other useful resources for Nandi Hills
Nandi Hills Photos
Hotels and HomeStays at Nandi Hills
Location Map for Nandi Hills

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Coorg Secrets - Trek to Thadiyandamol, Kakkabe



Thadiyandamol or Tadiandamol is the highest peak in Coorg (Karnataka's trekking and naturalist paradise) and second highest in Karnataka at 1,750 meters or 5742 feet above sea level (Map coordinates). The name Tadiandamol literally means “highest point”. Located in the Western Ghats region of south west Karnataka the coorgi’s locally call it Thandiyandamol Betta. The Thandiyandamol trek is rated among some of the best in Karnataka and south india. A trekking route from the peak goes straight to Brahmagiri hills. The Brahmagiri hills (1340 mts) can be seen far off towards from the south of Tadiyandamol. You can also reach these hills from Kerala via Thirunelli. (River Kalindi originates from here also home to some thick rain forest like evergreen vegetation)


Along your trek get to experience native forest, high grasslands, ridge walking, mountain, paddy and coffee plantation terrain both in panoramic views. The mountains have patched of Shola forests (a type of high-altitude evergreen stunted forest found mainly in the Western Ghats regions of southern India i.e. Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu). They are found amid high-altitude grasslands. During monsoons you will get to see quite a few streams and waterfalls on the way to the peak. On a clear day you can view the distant Arabian Sea and the enchanting beauty of the whole of Kodagu from here. This region of Coorg boast some of Karnataka's best Waterfalls. (Coorg Waterfall Videos)


The region is adjacent to the Makutta forest with diverse wildlife such as the Nilgiri marten, flying squirrels and various civet cats. There are a myriad of birds and wide host of reptiles/amphibians.” After rains Leeches are a problem and it is important to take precautions, they can be painful sometimes. (You should take some salt, dettol swab/antiseptic liquid and/or tobacco).


Kakkabe which is 35km from Madikere provides access to this highest peak in Coorg. About 2 km by road from Kakkabe is the Padi Iggutappa temple. Dedicated to Lord Murga it is located at Padi near Ayyangeri forest in Padithara valley. The Temple resembles most of the ancient Keralite temples, in style and is the most important temple of Kodagu. Lord Iggutappa is the presiding deity for Puthari festival also the Harvest festival (Puttari ) of Coorg.
At the foothills of Tadiyandamol and about 5 km from Kakkabe is an important historical landmark Nalaknad an old palace build as a Hunting lodge called 'Nalku Naadu Aramane' (meaning palace of four villages). The Palace was constructed by Dodda Raja Veerendra, the king of Kodagu, in 1792. Dodda Verarajendra married Mahadevammaji here in 1796 .The palace, with its 12 magnificent pillars and walls adorned with beautiful carvings is now being used as a camping site for trekkers. While British army entered Kodagu, the last emperor of Halari family Chikaverarajendra took shelter here. Now this palace belongs to Archaeology department. There is a stream at the foothill of the peak which is good for camping. From the Palace the peak is around 6-7kms away.


Weather and Best time to Trek:
Best time to trek in Coorg is late part of the monsoon or early winter.



How to Get There:
Driving from Bangalore you first reach Madikere, from there it is around 35 km to Thadiyandamol. Driving directions to Madikere and Kakkabe. Nearest pertrol bunk is 20 km at Napoklu.
From Madikere ---- Bettagiri ----- Napoklu ----- Kakkabe -----Nalaknad ----- Thadiyandamol. You have park your vehicle if you go in a 4-wheeler at Nalaknad (there is also a palace at Nalaknad which is open till evening). If you go in a 2-wheeler you can drive another 1.5 km uphill till the road ends. It is a 6-7 Km walk to Thadiyandamol from here.
If you come from Virajpet , Thadiyandamol is 50 km from Virajpet, Bangalore----Mysore----Virajpet---- Nalaknad---- Thadiyandamol.


Where to Stay:





Popular Home Stays near Kakkabe

Poovannas also called the Palace Estate is a Homestay at Kakkabe. Kakkabe which is 35km from Madikere is where you start your trek to Thadiyandamol.



Chetu a visitor who reviews Palace Estate says "We stayed in the lap of nature at the foot of Tadiyandamol peak, the highest peak in Coorg. This place offers panoramic view of the valley. The early morning view from the balcony is one which we can never forget. The hosts Mr and Mrs. Prasad are very friendly and made us feel comfortable. The food was good too. It made us feel at home away from home. "


Honey Valley Estates a quaint Home Stay is at the base of the ridge that leads to Thadiyandamol. Honey Valley is near Kakkabe @ Yavakapady post/village, situated between Madikeri (Mercara) and Virajpet around 250 Km from Bangalore. Around 3km from Nalaknad is Kabbinakad the base village for Honey Valley Estate (The Estate is 3 Km from the village). The region is called Honey Valley because it was once the largest producer of Honey in India.
It takes around 4 hours from Honey Valley Estate to the peak. (A full day trek will get you to Thadiyandamol peak and back to the estate).




Dennis a visitor who reviews Honney Valley says "The location could not have been better. Splendidly isolated, the place is a dream for those looking forward to a real get away. The surroundings are prestine and begging to be explored. Any nature/wildlife enthusiast would keep returning to the place. "

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Karwar Resort - River Edge Kayaking and Water Sports



Riveredge Paradise Resort close to Karwar is a great place for Kayaking. This resort or hotel is located close to the banks of the River Kali. The kayak is a water sport propelled by a double-bladed paddle and requires both stamina and the paddler to keep balance while maneuvering the Kayak.


Back Waters Karwar Hotels are fast becoming the hub for Adventure Water activities. Riveredge Paradise Resort close to Karwar has tied up with adventure organizers to offer water activities including kayaking.


Comment or Reviews from Bobby a HolidayIQ traveller Bobby, 26 March 2007

I had one of my best experiences in nature alongwith kayaks, rafts, canoes, treks, rock climbing, rappeling, river crossing, wind surfing, sea food & good booze with mywife, relatives & family friends..Will definetly go there again.

Enjoy some Water Sports Videos from Karwar and Kayak Photos

HolidayIQ Reviews Top Karnataka Home-Stays



Today tourists are slowly getting more comfortable and feel at home in Karnataka Home Stays compared to hotels. While the boom started in Coorg and Chikmagalur, the concept has now gained momentum in Bangalore Home Stays, Mysore Home Stays, Hampi Home Stays, Hassan Home Stays, Sakleshpur Home Stays and Dharmasthala Home Stays. The Karnataka‘s Tourism Dept. is putting in place a certification process for HomeStays. HolidayIQ has been rating HomeStays through traveler reviews for the past 3 years.
HolidayIQ rates HomeStays on a scale from 1 to 7, with 7 being Outstanding/near perfect/with many excellent features and 1 signifies a place that you should avoid (Terrible/not acceptable/number of major problems)
The overall rating of a homestay is the average of all travellers' ratings for that homestay. Travellers rate a homestay on 9 key parameters:
----Destination
----Service
----Location
----Appearance
----Bookings & Front Office
----Service
----Room
----Food & Drinks
----Activities

Top Karnataka Home Stays

Polycad Bungalow – Home Stay - Coorg

Georgia Sunshine Village – Home Stay - Mandya

Woodway – Home Stay - Chikmagalur

Honey Valley Estate – Home Stay – Coorg

Nature Craft Home Stay – Chikmagalur


The Vacationer on Home Stays - In a recent article has covers some of the best home stays in India through the eyes of HolidayIQ reviewers.


Sunday, January 13, 2008

Karnataka Home stays - tariff, quality ratings and reviews.



Tariff and Reviews for HomeStays at Coorg, Chikmagalur, Hassan, Bangalore, Mysore, Hampi, Mangalore and Dandeli.

Karnataka and especially coorg have pioneered the concept of a Home Stays in India. The idea of giving the traveler a home away from home has started to gain momentum across the state.

Homestay facilitate you to get an insight into local people and their traditions. It gives you an opportunity to mingle and enjoy the local culture and hospitality. Homestays give tourists easy access to local cuisine, colorful festivals and intricate handicrafts of the local people. Home Stays are good options for single travellers especially females or women offering them great security. Some homestay’s allow the guest to be even share activities such as cooking in their kitchen. From the exapnsive coffee estates of Coorg, Chikmagalur and Shimoga to the tiny ancestral homes in Hampi Home Stays they are changing the way people in Karnataka experience places in our state.

Karnataka latest guidelines for HomeStays exempts taxes for Liquor served in Home Stays.
HomeStays are considered environmentally friendly since they promote commercial activity that does not disturb the fragile ecosystem of regions such as the Western ghat.

Finally, in a true HomeStay the families offering home-stay facilities to tourists will have to stay with the tourists and share their homes. It is not the spirit of home-stay when the family that owns the house stay away leaving the tourists to fend for themselves.

No standardization or ratings model yet for Home Stays - Reviews only solutions.

One problem with Home Stays is how do you research about their quality and standards before you travel. It will be a while before there is a model to certify home-stay facilities or classify them into categories which could be used by tourist to choose the good ones from the not so good home stays. A popular internet travel site HolidayIQ has evolved a model where they provide reviews from real travllers you have stayed in home stays and have rated them based on various parameters from food to service. Using these review travelers can make sure their chosen Home Stay is well-equipped and maintains minimum hygiene standards.

There are currently around 800 homestays in Karnataka. The goal is to take the number of homestays to 1,500, this will work out to 7,500 new room options for tourists.

Some of the popular home stays in tourism hotspots are covered below to guide you on your next stay away from home.


Top Home Stays in and around Coorg

Coorg HomeStays Costs and Reviews

In Coorg instead of constructing luxury hotels more coffee estates and traditional houses are being converted into HomeStays where tourists get to know the culture and tradition of the area. Previous post on how Homestays are the fastest growing hospitality sector in coorg.



Top Home Stays in and around Hampi

Hampi HomeStays Costs and Reviews


Top Home Stays in and around Mysore

Mysore HomeStays Costs and Reviews

You can find more about Mysore homestays in this few post a few months ago



Top Home Stays in and around Hassan or Sakleshpur

Hassan HomeStays Costs and Reviews


Top Home Stays in and around Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur HomeStays Costs and Reviews


Top Home Stays in and around Mangalore

Home Stays in Arecanut plantations coming soon in Mangalore


Top Home Stays in and around Bangalore or Nandi Hills

Bangalore HomeStays Costs and Reviews


Top Home Stays in and around Kabini Wildlife Reserve

Kabini HomeStay Costs and Reviews


Top Home Stays in and around Gokarana

Nimmu Guesthouse


Top Home Stays in and around Udupi

Apna Holiday Home Stay


Top Home Stays in and around Dandeli

Dandeli Home Stay